Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said the events of recent days have shown that Russia and the Russia-backed separatists have not adhered to the ceasefire and have continued waging battles.

The foreign minister stressed that the violation of the ceasefire must be stopped immediately and heavy weaponry must begin to be pulled back, according to what was agreed in Minsk. “This is the absolute prerequisite for a political solution,” Pentus-Rosimannus said. “If the Minsk agreements are not respected, the European Union must take additional measures against Russia,” she added.

According to the OSCE, Russia and the separatists have not fulfilled their obligations to allow the OSCE special mission access to the conflict zone. “We call on Russia to ensure the mission’s observers unhindered and safe access, including to Debaltseve,” Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus said.